The primary distinction of the artist is that he must actively cultivate that state which most men, necessarily, must avoid: the state of being alone.

It is astonishing that in a country so devoted to the individual, so many people should be afraid to speak.

The reason people think it's important to be white is that they think it's important not to be black.

I'm beginning to think that maybe everything that happens makes sense. Like, if it didn't make sense, how could it happen?

Recognizing a problem doesn't always bring a solution, but until we recognize that problem, there can be no solution.

It comes as a great shock…to discover that the flag to which you have pledged allegiance…has not pledged allegiance to you. It comes as a great shock to see Gary Cooper killing off the Indians, and although you are rooting for Gary Cooper, that the Indians are you.

Being in the pulpit, was like being in the theatre; I was behind the scenes and knew how the illusion worked.